Predators in the Darkness
by livingfiction

Comment:
I've been very suprised by the dramatic contrast in reactions to this shot. These girls did a fantastic job of creating powerful and sensual imagery without being distasteful in the least. The image was validated so I really don't understand the continual accusations that it was a composite, especially considering the image placing 8th in the "Defining Feature" challenge being shot using the exact same technique.

A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, and especially comment.

That Look
by livingfiction

Comment:

Originally posted by Donatien: I've checked my pulse and I'm still alive. Let me explain my thoughts on on-topic, since I'm one who complained about this one being off. There are too many shots on this site that tries to "squeeze" in to the topic somehow. Sliced kiwi fruits in the "wheels"-challenge, golf images in the "team sport"-challenge etc etc. Kiwis are round, that doesn't make them wheels. Ryder Cup is a team golf event, that doesn't make it a team sport. Your (very nice, sorry I didn't tell you that) picture *could* be communication, but show it to 100 people and ask them to put it into 3 categories on a stock-photography site (where it well might fit) and my guess is that you'd get zero submissions into the "communications" category. You yourself put into "emotive" and "fashion" for starters. This is pretty much a nail-the-topic kind of challenge. You didn't nail it, and got punished by the voters, me being one. I still gave you an average vote just because it's technically excellent and as I said - could be squeezed into the topic. Had it been in another challenge you might have gotten it up to top 10 even. Hope I didn't add to the confusion.

That's a perfectly fair and honest reaction. I would submit that this particular topic was very subject to interpritation. Others aren't, like the wildlife challenge, where my submission of children playing was quite poorly received, and understandably so. Many photographers specialize, and I specialize in portraiture, so when I see a challenge on communication, I tried to choose a photo that conveyed a message, rather than just a pretty face. I felt this one fit the bill, and the bell curve voting I recieved reflects both sides of the issue.

So, for a portrait, I think this is excellent communication, although I can understand how my premise could be subject to considerations to the contrary. Thank you for taking the time to comment, it is much appreciated!

That Look
by livingfiction

Comment:
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, and especially to comment on my submission. I am very suprised by the comments suggesting this does not fit the challenge. Body language and eye contact are incredible forms of communication, if this photo doesn't speak to you in one way or another, check your pulse.

Salt Lake Temple
by dwterry

Comment:
oooo, I love the Salt Lake temple, it's a brilliant choice for photography, I hope there's an other night challenge around the holidays, so you can get it with all the lights. I wish that large structure wasn't in the way though, it's kind of obstructive.

Unpredictability
by livingfiction

Comment:
Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote on my picture, and especially to comment. I really tried to be creative within the bounds of the topic, and I am very pleased to see it was appreciated. These shots were a lot of work to set up, be we had a ton of fun with them.

This is my highest placing, and ranking thus far, and my first submission to receive not a single 1!

5AM, 500 Crunches = Flat Stomach
by smokeditor

Comment:
That tummy was worth the work. Beautiful shades and light. Very sexy, and extra points for not choosing eyes. 9 from me!

Eyes
by librodo

Comment:
Easily the best of the challenge. If this doesn't win, I'll be stunned.

Lips
by dimitrii

Comment:
Very nice use of cross lighting.

Mother: Multi-Tasking
by Jinjit

Comment:
Mothers are incredible, I can't even chew gum and tie my shoes.

Its not the horses head.
by Node

Comment:
As gentle as your title may have been, the message was received, brutally honest, you get extra points for that.